Published: Dec 11, 2025, 10:51 AM (IST)
Edited: Dec 11, 2025, 10:52 AM (IST)
The three-time Indian Premier League winner Kolkata Knight Riders are set to dominate in the upcoming auction as they released some star players from the team.
Kolkata Knight Riders are going into the IPL 2026 auction with a new plan under their new head coach, Abhishek Nayar. The franchise is set to rebuild their team as they released their key players to save a good amount for the auction.
However, former cricketer Saba Karim showcased his shocking reaction as the franchise released their most expensive buy from last year’s auction. Venkatesh Iyer, KKR bought him for Rs. 23.75 crore. This move reflects their hunger for better options in the biggest event.
After this mastermind move, Saba Karim, said ”There is a strong possibility that KKR may buy him back. He was released at 23 crores which freed up a huge amount in their purse and chances are high that he may not go for that much money now in the mini-auction. This is a trademark Abhishek Nayar move because he always wants to start fresh. He only keeps players he feels are part of a winning combination and will be regular in the playing eleven. The rest, he buys back in the auction. I think he will build his team that way. I’ve always seen Abhishek Nayar work like this. So I feel the KKR management believes that maybe Venkatesh Iyer has exhausted his utility, similar to how they valued Andre Russell for years.“
“They did not keep Rahmanullah Gurbaz. That means they need an opening batter. If that player can also be a wicketkeeper, it will be good for KKR. They will have many options in the auction. They also need an explosive power hitter for the lower middle order. I think filling these two spots will be the most important thing for KKR in the upcoming auction,” he added.
